Examining Self

More than any month, December finds us torn between two opposite dimensions. First, it is a month of reflection. From its unrivaled position at the end of the calendar, we look back in retrospect at the events of the previous 11 months. But also December, unlike any other month, is a time of resolution. As its final days come and go, we avail ourselves to the use of vision and peer into the future. We lay plans for the direction we hope our lives will take over the next twelve months. Such an unparalleled time of self-examination is enhanced by our standing on the edge, not only of a new year, but a new millennium.

The genuineness of anything valuable is substantiated by a process of inspection. Physically speaking, homes, vehicles, and jewelry are all, on occasion, subjected to the close scrutiny of a trained eye. We call it an appraisal. Are there flaws that would diminish the quality? Areas where refurbishing would increase value? Realms of particular weakness that might greatly increase the potential for tragic loss? Evaluations are a regular and necessary part of life. If we clearly recognize the need for periodic examinations regarding material goods, how much more the need for such so as to validate the genuineness of the most prized possession anyone could have: eternal life?

The Scriptures contain numerous exhortations toward self-evaluation (Lam. 3:40; I Cor. 11:28; Gal. 6:4). One of the most pointed is Paul's instruction to the saints at Corinth: ""Test yourselves to see if you are in the faith; examine yourselves! Or do you not recognize this about yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you-unless indeed you fail the test?"" (2 Cor. 13:5).

How many of us truly adhere to the instruction found in this passage? How often do we take the time and put forth the effort to truly ""test"" ourselves in the spiritual realm? The truth is, most of us get so caught up in the business of living that we seldom pause to contemplate the actual level of our own spirituality. To fail to honestly examine our faith would be tantamount to purchasing a new car and then driving it without ever periodically checking under the hood. Most would understand the foolishness of spending so much on a vehicle and then neglecting the regular maintenance that would keep it in top running condition. Yet how many treat their souls with similar neglect? They are born into the Body, regularly attend the assembly, contribute of their means, give thanks before every meal, and occasionally invite a friend to services. Yet in spite of all these good things, they never stop to assess if their faith is sure or a sham, actual or artificial. They never pause to see if they are drawing near to God, or drifting away.

As you think about 1999, what specific advances have you made in your walk with God? What definite steps toward growth were taken? What are your areas of strength that might form the foundation for future development? What are your areas of weakness where you've blown it and thus hindered your spiritual progress? Is your faith stronger now than it was at year's beginning? If so, how? Are you a better mate, parent, or employee? Are you more patient, loving, or committed? Have you even given such questions a moment's consideration? It was Socrates who said, ""The unexamined life is not worth living."" I think the apostle Paul would concur.

James 1:23-25 contains a wonderful analogy regarding self-examination. He compares God's word to a mirror. What is a mirror's primary purpose? Simply to look at the mirror itself? Hardly. To look at other people in the mirror? No. When most look into a mirror, they do so in an effort to see what is reflected in regard to themselves. Some folks approach God's word simply to ""look at the mirror""; that is, to acquire biblical facts or other intellectual information. Others approach His word primarily to see what flaws it might reveal about the character and conduct of other people besides themselves. James is clear: the primary purpose of God's magnificent mirror is to reflect our own spiritual condition! The primary question isn't, ""What does it say?"" or ""What does it reveal about Brother So-and-so?"" When we open its pages, the first and foremost emphasis ought to be, ""What is this saying about me?"" And when we are willing to answer that question, James exhorts us to resolve to make the necessary changes before we ever step away from its candid reflection.

As we cross out the last few days of the year, may we take the time as individuals to stop and evaluate where we have been, where we are, and where we are going in the spiritual realm. For unless we are willing to take a long, hard, objective look at ourselves in light of God's magnificent mirror, drawing near to God will be little more than meaningless ""church talk.""

Terry Slack preaches for the Northwest church in Arlington, Texas.